Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has issued guidance to teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the IPL 2026 season, advising the 14-year-old to steer clear of excessive media exposure and social media to avoid added pressure. Parag, speaking at a pre-season press conference in Jaipur, emphasized protecting the young opener's focus so he can continue playing his natural, aggressive game without external distractions. This comes after Sooryavanshi's breakout performance in his debut IPL season last year, where he smashed a record-breaking 35-ball century, and his subsequent success in Under-19 cricket, including a starring role in India's World Cup triumph.

The comment from Parag highlights the franchise's strategy to shield Sooryavanshi from the intense hype surrounding him as one of the most talked-about young talents in Indian cricket. Parag stated that there will naturally be "hype and pressure" this season, but he plans to direct that burden toward established opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is more experienced in handling expectations. "As a captain my message to him would be to not do a lot of press conferences or follow a lot of social media," Parag said. "He’s playing really well and he’s going to make the country proud. He should continue to play his natural game." He further urged the media not to reach out to Sooryavanshi's manager, reinforcing a hands-off approach to let the youngster "just go out there, hit, and don’t worry about anything else."

Sooryavanshi, who will open the innings alongside Jaiswal for Rajasthan Royals, has already shown remarkable consistency across formats despite his young age. Parag praised his ability to score runs wherever he plays, describing it as a boon for Indian cricket to have such a high-quality opener emerging so early. The Royals' leadership transition—including Parag taking over captaincy from Sanju Samson (now with Chennai Super Kings) and Kumar Sangakkara stepping in as head coach—adds context to the careful management of young talents like Sooryavanshi amid team rebuilding efforts.

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This protective stance reflects broader concerns in cricket about the challenges young players face in high-profile leagues like the IPL, where rapid fame can lead to performance dips in subsequent seasons. While some former players have cautioned about the "second season blues" for prodigies like Sooryavanshi, Parag's approach prioritizes mental well-being and enjoyment of the game over immediate media obligations. The Royals are set to begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on March 30, with expectations high for their youthful opening pair to deliver fireworks.

As the tournament approaches, Parag's comments underscore the Royals' commitment to nurturing talent sustainably. Sooryavanshi's development will be closely watched, with the captain's "brotherly advice" aimed at ensuring the prodigy thrives under controlled conditions rather than succumbing to overwhelming scrutiny. Further details on team preparations and player interactions are expected as the season nears.

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